Automatic lock slider for slide fasteners



June 15,194.8. N. J. Poux 2,443,360

Auronnc nocx SLIDER Fon SLIDE FAsTENEns Filed April 14, 1944 5 Jr2 y 1. gigi-76 21 A 1F19 2o i 72 4a 7 3 ZI 22H@ V. j

J 24 4 *a J2 y 1' 23 f 2f J0 'Lg' `5 7 Je l ,x 22 giungo ab 2d Patented June l5, 1948l Loox SLIDER Foa SLIDE FAsTENEas AUTOMATIC Noel J. Poux, Meadville, Pa., assigner to Talon,v Inc., a corporation of-Pennsylvania Application April 14, 1944, Serial No. 531,054

16 Claims. (Cl. 24`-205.5)`

This invention relates to sliders for slide fasteners and, particularly, to an improved locking type slider therefor.

It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide an improved self-locking slider which will lock automatically when the slider is tended to be moved in a direction to open the fastener.

It is another object of the invention to provide such an automatic slider having incorporated therewith locking means which is moved to lock- Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a cylindrical rotative or wedging member for use with my improved lock slider;

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view through the slider of another modification of my invention;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line X-X or Fig. 9: and

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the locking member incorporated with the modification shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Referring'more particularly to the drawings. there is shown in Fig. 1 a conventional type slide fastener comprising cooperating 4rows of spaced interlocking fastener elements 2 attached to the opposed beaded edges of tapes or stringers 3. There is supported on the rows of interlocking fastener elements, a slider, generally designated 4, for longitudinal movement in opposite directions to close and open the fastener in a manner well-known to those skilled in the art. Such slider consists generally of a channeled body which is strong and rugged in its construction and, at the same time, one which is fool-proof, eicient and effective in its use.

Various other objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent in the course of the following specification, and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, there is shown for the purpose of illustration, several embodiments which my invention may assume in practice.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a slide fastener having a lock slider-in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a. sectional view taken on line II--II of Fig. 1 showing the slider ofthe preferred construction in-locked position;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view, similar to Fig. 2, showing my improved lock slider in unlocked position;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line IV-IV of Fig. 2:

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the locking member incorporated with the slider of my preferred construction;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view through the slider similar to Fig. 2, showing a lock slider' of a modified construction in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective yiew of the locking member incorporated with the modification shown in Fig. 6:

member having spaced apart upper and lower wings' 6 and 6, respectively. ilanged at the sides and connected by a neck 1, so as to provide substantially a. Y-shaped channel 4a in the slider.

According to the present invention, there is shown in Figs. 2 through 5, a slider of the -preferred embodiment of my invention. In this construction, there is arranged in the upper or top wing 5 of the slider body, a longitudinally extending opening 8 which communicates with the channel 4a in the body member. This opening has preferably a rectangular cross-section but may be of any suitable shape. There is arranged in the opening 8, a longitudinally extending locking member or shoe 9 preferably having a substantially flat or planar inner or bottom side as at lll, as shown in Fig. 5. The locking member l is supported in the opening preferably by means of a shoulder and ledge arrangement at both the front and` rear thereof as at 8aand 8b, respectively. It will be understood that the `locking member III is slightly smaller than the opening 8 and is oatingly mounted therein for limited longitudinal movement relative to the slider body. In other words, the locking member 9 rests loosely in the opening 8 and is held in position in such a way as to permit limited shifting movement longitudinally for a purpose hereinafter to ybe described. There is arranged on the outer side of the upper wing f5, preferably a longitudinally extending lug portion l2 to which a slider actuating or pull wardly thereof, a recess I I horizontal or the axis of the slider.

words, the upper surface I4 of the locking member V9 is arranged at an acute angle to the upper be described. 'I'here is `arranged in the lug I2 for- 3 having an inner wall I3a which recess communicates with the rectangular shaped opening 8 and which is disposed directly opposite the lower end of the locking member. The outer or upper surface I4 of the locking member Il at a point preferably adjacent the lower end thereof, is inclined toward the upper end of the slider at an acute angle with the In other wall of the recess I3, so as to provide opposedangular surfaces. It has been found that the angle of inclination of the surface I4 or the acute angle at which the top wall of the recess is arranged to the opposed surface of the locking member, should be between 10 and 15 degrees, preferably about 11 degrees f-or the most satisfactory results.

There is disposed in the recess I3 of the lug I2 between the opposed angular surfaces I4 and I5. a rotative member I6 preferably cylindrical or spherical in shape, such as a roller or ball. If a cylindrical member or roller is used, the outer periphery thereof is preferably milled as at I1, as shown in Fig. 8, so as to prevent any slipping action and to insure rolling movement thereof for a purpose to be described. The rotative member I6, as above stated, is positioned in the recess I3 and is maintained in contact with the opposed angular surfaces I4 and I5, preferably by means of a resilient member such as a` spring I8, which is positioned between the lower end Wall I5a of the recess I3 and the rotative member, as shown in Figs 2 and 3 of the drawings. The rotative member I6 cooperates with the opposed angular surfaces I4 and I5 to force wedgingly the locking member inwardly into the channel of the slider in a manner hereinafter to be described.

There is carried by the locking member 9 intermediate the length thereof, and positioned at a point preferably immediately rearwardly of the -inclined surface I4, an4 upwardly extending lug portion I9, which extends up into a loop portion arranged transversely through the lug I2 rearwardly of the recess I3 therein. While any conventional pull or slider connecting member may be used to operate the slider, the pull tab or pull member for the purpose of illustration only, is in the form of a substantially rectangular plate and is generally designated 2I. On the inner end the pull member 2l lis provided with a rectangular aperture 22, which forms at that end, a pair of spaced legs 23 connected by a trunnion 24. The trunnion 24 extends through the loop portion 20 of the lug I2 so as to be loosely and slidably connected to the slider body. Thus, it will be seenthat the lug portion I9 of the locking member is disposed in the path of. travel of the pull member 2| with which it is adapted to cooperate to unlock the slider in a manner now to be described.

The improved lock slider of my invention functions in the following manner. It will be understood that as the fastener elements 2 progressively pass through the slider, lthat the lower at surface I0 of the locking member 9 rests at all times on the fastener elements. When the slider is moved unintentionally in a direction to disengage the fastener elements or open the fastener due primarily to transverse forces being exerted on the sides of the stringers 3, the locking member 9 will shift its position in the vopening 8 'and move relative to the body of the slider, due to the frictional force existing between the bottom of the locking member and the fastener elements. Upon such shifting of the locking member, it will be seen that the rotative member I6 will also be moved due to the fact that it is in contact therewith at all times. As the locking member 9 and rotative member I6 move, it will be seen that the locking member will be forced gradually inwardly into the channel of the slider against the fastener ,elements therein, due to the inclined surface I4 of the locking member which the rotative member follows during its rolling movement. In other Words, the rotative member I6, due to the opposed angular surfaces I4 and I5, acts as a wedge when the locking member is shifted, thereby forcing the locking member inwardly of the slider body. When the locking member 9 is moved further into the channel of the slider, it

will be seen that the fastener elements 2 are forced against the inner side o f the lower or back wing 6 of the slider, thereby locking frictionally the slider against movement, as shown in Fig. 2 of. the drawings.

If it is desired'to move the slider by means of the pull member 2 I, it will be seen that as the pull member is pulled downwardly to open the fastener, as shown in Fig. 3, the trunnion 24 strikes the upwardly extending lug I9 of the locking member, thereby tending to move it downwardly relative to the slider body. In such an event. it will be seenthat the rotative member I6 will be rolled or moved in the opposite direction or down the inclined surface I4, thereby permitting the locking member 9 again to float in the opening 8 and ride freely over the fastener elements, until the pulling force -on the pull member is again released, at which 'time thelocking member will again lock as above described.

In case the slider is moved in the opposite direction so as to engage the fastener elements 2 and to -close the fastener, it will be understood that the locking shoe or member 9 merely rides over the fastener elements and a locking action of the slider is not effected. In other words, the inclined surface I4 or the acute angle between the upper surface of the locking member and the top wall of the recess, isso arranged that the rotative member will urge the locking member inwardly into the channeland against the fastener elements only when the slider is moved in a direction to open the fastener. It will be seen'that the spring I8 maintains the rotative member I6 against the opposed angular surfaces I4 and I5 at all times and returns the same to its normal position simultaneously with the movement of the locking member 9 to the unlocked position.

In Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, there is shown a slight modification of my improved lock slider.

This construction is substantially the same as the preferred form and differs therefrom only in that the inclined surface instead of being arranged on the locking member, is disposed on the top wall of the recess I3, as at 25, and the opposed or upper surface 26 of the locking member 9 is substantially flat or planar, as shown ,in Fig. 7. and is disposed substantially parallel In other words, the top against the fastener elements therein when the u member 9" has a -shape corresponding to the Y- shaped channel 4a through rvthe slider body and it follows that a Y-shaped opening 28 is arranged in the top wing of the slider in which the Y- shaped locking member is disposed. As in the previous described embodiments, the locking member of this modification is slightly smaller than the Y-shaped opening 28 in which it is positioned, so as to permit the locking member to shift longitudinally of the slider body in order to there is provided a slider having loc ments'is obtainedthereby resultingin a greater frictional force for locking the slider.

As a result of my invention, it will seen that means incorporated therewith which will lock automatically and effectively the slider against unintentional movement at any point along thefastener elements. It will also be seen that the improved locking means of my invention can be easily and l conveniently incorporated with a conventional type slider without changing materially the de.

sign or construction thereof.

While I have shown and described several speciflc embodiments of my invention, it will be uneffect a locking action as hereinbefore described.

There is arranged centrally of the Y-shaped locking member 9", preferably alongltudirially extending groove 29 having substantially a flat bottom wal1 29a; There is arranged in the lug I2 -on top of the slider body, a longitudinally extending recess' 30, which communicates with the Y- shaped opening 28'in the top wing of the slider. The top'wall of the recess 30 is relatively long and inclined throughout the length thereof toward the top of the slider, as at 3|. There is disposed in the recess 30 a rotative member 32 which may be a cylinder (see Fig. 8) lor ball, as in the preferred construction. The rotative member 32 is disposed in the groove 29 of the locking member 9", and this groove acts as a race for the rotative member 32 so as to guide and maintain the same in position in the recess.

As in the preferred construction, the rotative member 32 cooperates with the angularly arranged surface 3| of the recess and the bottom surface 29a of the groove 29 of thelocking member to force wedgingly the locking member 9 inwardly of the channel of the slider Aagainst thev fastener elements therein. In this construction there is also provided a spring 33 which is disposedinthe recess 30 between the bottom end wall thereof and the rotative member 32, in order to maintain th same in contact-at all times with the inclinedvsurface 3| of the recess and the opposed bottom surface 29a of the groove 29 of the locking member. There is carried by the locking member 9'( to either side of the groove 29 preferably, a pair of upwardly extending lug portions 34 which extend up through the top vwing 5 of the slider to either side of the lug I2, so as to be disposed inthe path of travel 0f the pull or slider actuating member 2|. The pull member or tab 2| in this construction has a pair of opposed trunnions 35 arranged on one end thereof which are adapted to fit around the lug l2 in a well-known manner so as to provide a pull member which is slidable longitudinally of the slider body. The trunnions 35 of the pullv member cooperate with the lug portions 34 of the locking member 9" to move the same downwardly relative to the slider body when it is Adesired to move the locking member 9" to its unlocked position in a manner similar to the preferred construction. This modiiled lock construction functions in substantially lthe same manner as the preferred construction. In this latter construction it will be seen ,a relatively large bearing area of the locking member against the fastener elehaving a pullmember slidably connected thereto derstood that these embodiments are merely for the purpose of illustration and description and that various other forms may be devised within i the scope of my invention, as defined in the appended claims. Y

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A slider for slide fasteners of the class de-4 scribed comprising a. body member having an interior channel through which' tliefastener elements pass for engaging and disengaging the same, a locking member floatingly disposed in said body member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto and bearing against the fastener elements in the channel of said body member whereby said locking member is adapted to be moved bythe fastener elements as they pass through said slider, and independent wedging means arranged between an inner wall of said body member and said locking member for .urging the locking member toward the fastener elements upon longitudinal movement of the direction to disengage the fastener elements, whereby the locking member is forced against the fastener elements so as to lock frictionallyfthe sli-der against movement, said locking memberv adapted to be moved by the fastener elements longitudinally of the slider ,when the same is moved in a direction to engage the fastener elements whereby the locking member is moved to unlocked position. Y

2. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described, as defined in claim 1, wherein the wedging means arranged between the inner wall of the body member and the locking member for urging the locking member toward the fastener elements consists of movable means arranged between an inner wall of said body member and the opposed surface of the locking member with said wall and said surface being inclined relative to each other whereby the lockingA member is forced inwardly toward the fastener elements when the slider is moved in a direction to disengage the fastener elements.I

3. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described, as defined in claim 1, wherein the wedging means arranged between the slider body and the lockingmember for urging the locking member toward the fastener elements consists 0f aA rotative member arranged between an inner'wall of said body member and the opposed surface of said locking member with said wall and said.

surface being inclined relative to each other whereby said locking member is forced inwardly vtoward the fastener elements when the slider is moved along thefastener elements in the direc-` tion to disengage the same. v

4, A slider for slide fasteners ofthe class described comprising a channeled bodymember 'for movement longitudinally thereof, a locking member floatingly ydisposed in said body member for limited longitudinal movement relative there- -to and-bearing against the fastener elements in the channel of said body member whereby said whereby the locking member is forced against thel fastener elements so as to lock frictionally the slider against movement, said locking member having a portion arranged in the path of movement of the. pull member whereby the slider is released upon movement of the pull member in one direction.

5. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described, as defined in claim 4, wherein the rotative means consists of a spherical element which cooperates with a surface of the body member and an opposed surface of the locking member.

6. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described, as defined in claim 4, including a resilient member arranged between an inner wall of the body member and the rotative means for maintaining the said means# (in. position and in'contact at all timesxwithvthe'opposed surfaces of said body and-'locking members so` that-movement of the u rotative lmeans wi-ll'be"assured upon movement of (the locking member.

7. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described comprising a channeled body member having a pull member slidably connected thereto for movement longitudinally thereof, a locking member fioatngly disposedin said body member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto and bearing against the fastener elements in the channel of'said body memberwhereby said locking member isadapted'to be moved by the n fastener elements as they pass through said body member, a rotative member arrangednbetween an inner wall ofV said-body member and the opposed surface of said locking member with said Ywaliand said surface beingAinclined-relative to each other, and a spring arranged'between an inner wall of said body member and said rotative member for maintaining the same in position and in contact at all times with the inclined surface andthe opposed surface so that movement-'of' the rotative member will be assured/upon movement of the' ing member, and a wedging member arranged in said recess and movable relative to both said body andlocking members and which is adapted automatically to force the locking member against the s fastener elements upon movement of said slider therealong.

9. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described comprising a channeled body member, a locking member fioatingly disposed in said body member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto and bearing against the fastener elements in the channel of said slider body, said' body member having a recess arranged therein directly opposite the locking member with a wall of the recess and the opposed surface of the locking member being arranged at an acute angle to each other so as t-o provideopposed angularly arranged surfaces, and a member arranged in said recess between said angularly arranged surfaces and being movable relative to both said body and locking members and, 'which member cooperates with said surfaces to force wedgingly the locking member inwardly of the channel against the fastener elements so as to lock frictionally the slider against movement therealong.

10. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described, as defined in claim 9, including a resilient member/'for normally urging the movable memw'ber between and in contact with the opposed angularly arranged surfaces.

Y 1l. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described in claim 9, wherein the movable member consists of a rotative member which isadapted.

to roll along the opposed angularly arranged surfaces.

l2. A'slider for slide fasteners of the class described, as defined in claim 9, including a slider actuating member connected to the slider for moving the same along the fastener elements with 40 the actuating member having an operative con- VYnection with the locking member for shifting the same to unlocking position.

13. Aslider for slide fasteners of the class de- V"scribed comprising a channeled body member, a

locking member oatingly disposed in said body Y member 'for'lim'ited longitudinal movement relative thereto and bearing against the fastener elements in the channel of said body member, said body member having a recess arranged therein directlyjopposite the locking member, said locking member having/an inclined surface arranged thereon directly opposite said recess, and a rotative/member arranged in said recess adapted /we'dgingly to engage between the inclined surface locking melber'safd rotative member due mime/'55 of said locking member and the opposed wall of cgiperation thereof with said wall and/saidsur- ../face adapted to force the locking/member inwardly of the channel toward/the fastener elements when the slider is' moved in a direction to disengage thev fastener elements whereby the locking member is forced thereagainst so as to lock y frictionally the slider against movement and the rotatable member is simultaneously moved by the locking member against the action of said spring, said locking member having a portion thereof arranged in the path of travel of th'evpull member whereby the slider is released upon movement of the pull member in one direction.

8. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described comprising a channeled body member, a locking member mounted in said member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto and bearing against the fastener elements in the channel of said slider, said body member being y provided with a recess directly opposite the locksaid recess to force wedgingly the locking member against the fastener elements so as to lock frictionally the slider against movement therealong. l

,00 14. A slider for snde fasteners of the class described comprising a channeled body member, a locking member iioatingly disposed in said body member for limited longitudinal movement relative thereto and bearing against the fastenerl member being inclined toward the top of the body member, a rotative member arranged in said recess adapted 'wedgingly to engage between the inclined surface of said recess and the opposed surface of said locking member to force the locking member inwardly against the fasi tener elements -so as to lock frictionally the slider against movement therealong.

15. A slider for slide fasteners of the class described comprising a channeled body member, an opening arrangedin said body member and communicating with the channel thereof, a locking member loosely disposedy in said opening for limited longitudinal movement relative to said body member and bearing against the fastener elements in the channel of said body member, a lug carried by said body and extending longitudinally thereof,a pull member slidably connected to said lug for moving the slider along the fastener elements. said lug having a recess arranged therein and communicating with said opening, with a wall of the recess and the 0D- posed surface of the locking member in said opening being arranged at an acute angle to each other so as to provide opposed angularly arranged surfaces, a rotative member arranged in said recess between said angularly arranged surfaces and which cooperates with said surfaces to force wedgingly the locking member against fastener elements so as to lock frictionally the slider against movement therealong, and a pro- Jecting portion carried by said locking memv ber and extending into the path of travel of said the opposed anguiarly arranged surfaces.

/ NOEL J.' PoUX.

REFERENCES orrEn .The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,936,096 Norton Nov. 21, 1933 2,019,219 .Gammons Oct. 29, 1935 2,077,360 Gilmore Apr. 13, 1937 2,274,723 Morin Mar. 3,1942 2,360,437 1944 Mikulas et al. Oct. 17, 

